A secret sun-dappled reading spot in Sydenham Wells Park

When I moved to my little patch of SE26 I managed – not entirely on purpose – to choose one of the best spots for parks in the whole of south east London. Being opposite Crystal Palace Park was a big draw, but it wasn’t until several months later that I discovered the other verdant gem on my doorstep… Sydenham Wells Park.

I think there are still lots of locals who don’t even know it’s there and to be honest, I’d love it to stay that way because it’s probably the prettiest and most tranquil green space in the area.

The park gets its name from the medicinal springs that were discovered here during the seventeenth century, when Sydenham was still a village in Kent. Apparently even King George III (the mad one) came to take the waters here.

My favourite hideout is under the weeping willows next to the stream in the south western corner. My ‘English rose’ complexion makes me a shade seeker rather than a sun lover and the trees make little rooms of dappled sunlight where I can settle down and read a book without a soul around.

To get straight to the prettiest and most peaceful area of the park, enter via the gate on Longton Avenue at the junction with Ormanton Road.